Abstract
Hydrophobic zein-based functional films incorporating licorice essential oil were successfully developed as new alternative materials for food packaging. The lotus-leaf negative template was obtained using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The complex surface patterns of the lotus leaves were transferred onto the surface of the zein-based films with high fidelity (positive replica), which validates the proposed proof-of-concept. The films were prepared by casting method and fully characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The grammage, thickness, contact angle, mechanical, optical and barrier properties of the films were measured, together with the evaluation of their biodegradability, antioxidant and antibacterial activities against common foodborne pathogens (Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes). The zein-based films with the incorporation of licorice essential oil presented the typical rugosities of the lotus leaf making the surfaces very hydrophobic (water contact angle of 112.50°). In addition to having antioxidant and antibacterial properties, the films also shown to be biodegradable, making them a strong alternative to the traditional plastics used in food packaging.
Highlights
Food packaging is designed to protect food from external factors, such as temperature, light or humidity that can lead to degradation [1]
The surface of the leaves was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) (Figure 1b), where it was possible to notice the common pattern of lotus leaves with its micro and nanostructures, measuring between 7 and 8 μm
The PDMS-negative template presents the holes corresponding to the structures observed in the lotus leaves surface, which means that a complementary topographic surface structure of the original template was successfully obtained
Summary
Food packaging is designed to protect food from external factors, such as temperature, light or humidity that can lead to degradation [1]. Packages protect its content from other environmental influences, namely, odors, microorganisms, shocks, dust, vibrations and compressive forces [1]. The production and application of synthetic materials in food packaging has grown quickly over the past few decades, resulting in serious environmental concerns due to the resistance to degradation of these synthetic materials [2,3]. Bio-based natural polymers (mainly polysaccharides and proteins) have been given increasing attention to be used in food packaging films because of their abundance, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity [3,4].
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